Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is adjusting its masking policy effective February 15, 2023 to no longer require visitors and staff to wear masks when entering the facility. The decision comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to trend downward in Reno County.

“We understand that wearing a mask can provide a sense of security and we want to ensure that our visitors and employees feel safe when entering our facility,” said Nick Baldetti, chief operating and quality officer. “Our commitment to infection prevention and control continues, including regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas, providing hand sanitizer throughout the facility, and ensuring employees utilize appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of patients with COVID-19.”

Masks will still be provided at hospital entrances and speciality offices for people who voluntarily wish to continue masking. Employees will continue to be required to wear masks when entering a patient room or while caring for a patient. Patients may be asked to wear a mask while seeing a healthcare provider one-on-one.

The move is in line with the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lifted the federal mandate requiring masks in health care facilities where COVID-19 transmission levels are low in September. “After almost three years, we’re happy to take this step and get back to some sense of normalcy,” said Baldetti.